Lisbon

Overview

Lisbon is a fascinating city of old-fashioned and funky art, architecture and traditions. It's one of Europe's most enjoyable capitals with its relaxed atmosphere, cultural diversity, reasonable prices and charming architecture. Lisbon is set on seven low hills next to the Tejo (Tagus) river. The city's atmosphere is rich with wonderful old buildings, Europe's longest suspension bridge (Ponte Vasco da Gama), and fascinating museums and monuments. Despite the city's muscle-aching hills, Lisbon is compact enough to explore on foot. If your legs get tired, Lisbon has very convenient, bus, tram and subway lines as well as funiculars to take you up the steeper hills. Taxis abound as well, and are perhaps the most reasonably priced in Europe.

The capital of Portugal is currently in the middle of a building boom which began after it was chosen as the host city for Expo 98. Metro lines have been extended, mosaic sidewalks have been re-paved and 18th century facades have been restored. One of the most urgent works is the saving and restoration of the "Alfama", the old town.

The city moves to pulsing new rhythms, as African music clubs are all the rage. Contrasting to this modern diversity, Portuguese fado songs continue to be heard, the soulful music (which originated here) is still hitting notes of passionate melancholy.

Lisbon also hosts a great number of remarkable museums of ancient and modern art, some of which are Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, National Museum of Contemporary Art, National Coach Museum, and Carmo Archaeological Museum.

A good way to...more

History